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Writer's pictureWildlifeKate

End of an era....

This week has been an emotional one. as I finally left teaching after a career of 32 years! It has been a very difficult decision to make, but one which will free me up to undertake lots of new, exciting projects.


When I took on the role at Michael Drayton Junior School, I had not really planned on staying 10 years! I was taken on in a consultancy role, to assess the school grounds and draw up plans on how they could be developed. The plan I drew up was pretty grand and the Head Teacher at the time, John Buxton, was keen to make it reality. I convinced him that, if he took me on 2 days a week, I would leave the teaching job I had at the time and I would take on the challenge.. a bold move for him as I would not have a class commitment. Ten years later and I feel I have achieved way more than I ever set out to do and I am very, very proud of what I am leaving for the school.!


I have shed more than a few tears this week, especially at this wonderful video that the school produced for me.....



It has been a real passion of mine to not only transform the grounds into a space that everyone can take their learning, whatever that may be, but also for changing the culture on the school to one where all children want to care for nature and have an interest in the natural world.


I want to showcase some of what we have done, here on my blog, so I have a record and I can look back in years to come and not forget all of our achievements. I could not have done it without the support of the current Head, Diane Compton-Belcher, who kept me on after John retired. She has supported all my crazy projects and left me to my vision, trusting in my decisions. The staff at the school have been amazing; many completely coming out of their comfort zone to bring whole classes into the woods or to really embrace the idea of taking their teaching out into the fresh air and to see the benefits that it brings. The pastoral care team are amazing and they, possibly more than any other, have seen how powerful outdoor learning can be to some of our most vulnerable pupils. I am going to miss them greatly!



I am immensely proud of the school grounds now. When I started, there was just a school field and a newly built pond. These are some of the areas I've created over the years....


The Grow Zone - Areas for pupils to grow their own fruit and vegetables


Alfresco - A large area designed to encourage teachers to take their 'normal' teaching and learning outside. Three outdoor classrooms and lots of fun spaces for pupils to sit. Virtually everything created out of recycled or free materials!



Wild Learning Area - two ponds, habitats and lots of spaces for wildlife to flourish...



Animals in School - Looking after animals in school has been an important part of my vision. Pupils gain so much from contact with animals. It is a wonderful opportunity for learning as well and appreciating how much care animals need. We have kept rabbits, guinea pigs, quail and also hatched our own eggs, keeping those chicks on in school. Wren was our school dog and enjoyed it as much as the kids did!